About
Bergera koenigii is a tropical to subtropical evergreen tree that typically reaches a height of 4.5 meters (15 feet) and spreads about 3 meters (10 feet) in its natural environment. Its leaves are pinnate, featuring up to 10 pairs of leaflets arranged along a central stalk, and they emit a strong aroma, making them a key ingredient in Indian cooking. This species produces terminal panicles of fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom intermittently throughout the year, followed by clusters of red berries. It is best cultivated as an indoor plant or kept in a cool conservatory during winter in areas prone to frost. In summer, it can be moved outdoors to take advantage of increased light and humidity.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Fragrance
- Flower, Foliage, Fruit
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an acidic to neutral, moisture-retentive, well drained compost and a position in full sun or partial shade, in a conservatory, greenhouse, or as a houseplant indoors in the UK
- Pruning
- pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propate by seed, or by semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to red spider mite, scale insects and mealy bug
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free